Slow start proves costly for ladies fifths

North Down ladies fifths took on Holywood seconds at Regent House on Saturday with a weakened team.

Holywood started quickly playing a lovely one two around the sweeper and slipped around the home goalkeeper for an early lead.  Within a few minutes they repeated the play to go 2-0 up after the first quarter.

The fifths made a few changes in position but efforts to get the ball to the home forwards were dealt with well by a strong Holywood defence who counter attacked at great pace and showing lovely ball control picked up a rebound to make the score 3-0 at half time.

In the third quarter North Down steadied themselves and great runs down the right resulted in balls flying across the goal but luck was not with North Down and, despite great efforts from Ruby Donaldson and Staci Maxwell, they just could not get the ball in the net. Again Holywood counter attacked and managed a great team goal despite the efforts of the North Down defence.

In the final quarter, North Down managed to win a few corners and even managed to beat the keeper but the whistle had already gone and the score was disallowed.

North Down should not be deflated at the final score because as each quarter progressed they improved and showed great determination and, maybe if there had been two more quarters, who knows?

Burch Autos Player of the Match was Ann McBride.